Make Space for Happiness: How to Stop Attracting Clutter and Start Magnetizing the Life You Want

by Tracy McCubbin

It's time to make room in your life for happiness to blossom Do you feel like you have too much stuff? A cluttered space isn't just inconvenient―the truth is it's hard to lead a joyful, purposeful life when the things around you detract from your relationships, habits, and goals. But decluttering is more than getting rid of the stuff you already have. To make real change in your home, you need to look at how these excess possessions got there in the first place. This book examines the acquisition cycles that keep our homes overcrowded and distract us from going after the meaningful things we really want in our lives. Make Space for Happiness gives you a seven-step roadmap to clearing your life and opening yourself up to all the good meant to come your way. Renowned decluttering expert Tracy McCubbin will help you revolutionize your living space and your mindset by focusing on clutter clearing as a path to positivity in every area of your life, helping you to We all want to live in homes that are functional, comfortable, and that bring us happiness rather than detract from it. Make Space for Happiness provides flexibility, support, and inspiration as you re-envision your home as the starting point of the joyful life that's waiting for you.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology, Personal Development, Audiobook, Adult

224 pages, Paperback

Published October 4, 2022

About the author

Tracy has always referred to herself as “obsessive compulsive delightful,” but who knew she could turn that trait into a booming business? While working for a major television director in Los Angeles, Tracy discovered she had the ability to see through any mess and clearly envision a clutter-free space. Coupled with keen time-management and organizational skills, Tracy soon found more and more people were asking her for help. Before she knew it, dClutterfly was born.
Twelve years and thousands of decluttered homes later, Tracy knew it was time to take what she had learned working with her clients and write a book to help others dealing with clutter. She is author of the newly published book Making Space, Clutter-Free: The Last Book on Decluttering You'll Ever Need and is a regularly featured expert in the media, including The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, goop, Home & Family, Real Simple, mindbodygreen, NBC, The Doctors, KTLA Morning Show, KCAL9, and more.

Reviews

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started on this book and thought that it wasn't for me because I don't have a shopping problem. Most of the stuff in my house is other people's stuff or stuff I inherited, not stuff I bought. But the more I read the more I had to sit and think about what I do buy and how some of it really does fit in these categories. So even if you are not a shopaholic, I think there's a lot in this book that will reveal that you really are buying things that you don't need and don't really want when it comes down to it. At the very least it lets you step back and think about your purchases to make sure they really are things that you need or want and that will make your life better.

[Kasha Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first half on a flight last night. The time flew because it is a really an engaging and thoughtfully written book! It reads like a loving friend is taking your on this journey to understand yourself and the environment (clutter) you create. I love how it looks at the "why's" of clutter and Tracy does so in such a compassionate way that it can be heard. Compassion is really what sets this book apart from all the others and I've read quite a few of these decluttering books, believe me. As a reader, you'll feel understood by someone who is an EXPERT on this topic. It's in her heart and in her bones. She "gets us". It's be a great gift for the holidays people! Your friends and family will love it. It speaks to everyone, no matter where they are on this journey and let's face it, most of us are on this journey. Thanks Tracy!

[Anne White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting thoughts on how we respond to advertising, and why we find it hard to pass up or let go of things that represent ideas and desires. Pop psychology, maybe, but useful nonetheless.

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time reading this story. It was more enjoyable on audiobook but I liked being able to see the quotable text. I think dual reading would be best for future readings although I think twice is more than enough. I was also disappointed the link from the quiz was just an ad with information with nor correlation to the quiz.

[Melody Warnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The deepest decluttering book I've ever read (and yes, I totally saw myself in these pages).

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pleasant surprise. It wasn't what I expected it to be, but it did hit home with me. I'm not the shopoholic the author goes on and on about, but a few years ago we sold our big empty house and bought a much smaller home. And even after a few years, I'm still struggling with what to keep and what to get rid of. I've had to let go of things I love.

But after listening to this audio, I think I'm ready to tackle the basement, the shed, and the garage (again). My goal is to be able to park in the garage this winter.

So with fingers crossed, 4 stars.

[Carrie Jacobs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some things resonated, but others made me go huh.....🤷‍♀️. Like the instapot idea that it doesn't save time because you need to wait for it to heat up, then cook, then cool down. But who stands around doing nothing while that happens? You prep the rest of the ingredients or meal, do dishes, sweep floor, etc.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t a book about how to declutter; it’s about why the clutter gathers in the first place, what psychological needs are being met by accumulating, buying, and hanging onto stuff. Pop psychology, I guess, but based on observations of many different people’s struggles. The book is a quick read and has a good balance of examples and analysis. It rang true with me, both in relation to myself and to others I have helped with clutter. Too many people focus on the process of decluttering without addressing why we collect and buy in the first place and why letting go can be so painful.

[Rachel Bond · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book proved to be an engaging and swift read, which I appreciated for its accessibility. However, my anticipation for practical tips to enhance my daily life left me somewhat unsatisfied. It felt like a missed opportunity as I turned page after page, hoping to uncover specific steps or strategies to incorporate. The absence of substantial practical tips left me wanting more, as I had envisioned a toolkit of approaches to transform my surroundings and mindset.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author McCubbin heads upstream to find the source of clutter in our homes... makes you think!

[Bibi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Might be interesting if you want to know why people accumulate too much and maybe have a hard time decluttering. Other than that, it was meh.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not so much “how to clear your clutter,” more “why you buy stuff.” A lot of this didn’t apply to me but there were parts that did cause for some introspection. If you’re number one hobby is shopping at Michael’s that might be a problem.

I do totally disagree on “if a book sits on a shelf for a year, unread, you should get rid of it.” I also think getting rid of digital clutter isn’t worth the time. If I’m collecting links to recipes or craft tutorials and they were free and they aren’t taking up any real space, what’s the harm? Though I’ll admit I was inspired to delete the link to a video showing how to make gem squares out of old CDs. I’m not sure what I’d planned to do with all these gem squares after I spent hours making them while exposing myself to harmful chemicals by baking CD chips. So, I’ll call this book worth the listen.

[Jim Shaner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked out two books from the library for help with my clutter problem: this one and Decluttering for Dummies. The latter didn’t inspire me at all, so I picked up Tracy McCubbin’s book and started reading. The author’s personal perspective and conversational style is the right catalyst for contemplating the “why” behind clutter habits. McCubbin has been there herself; she has helped countless others declutter their lives. Decluttering is a process. By sharing real world examples and occasional encouragement, McCubbin kindles the reader's desire and inspires focus. If I falter in my own decluttering projects, I will consult this book again!

[Mayra Padilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this was approachable, and it made me feel motivated to do something. Thanks my therapist for her rec!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read several books on how to have an uncluttered house, and life. But this one digs deeper into the WHY we collect, or can’t let go of our stuff. It’s therapeutic as you clean your clutter.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book isn't for everyone. For instance, my husband couldn't stand it.

For me, it helped to get past some issues that were standing in the way of getting rid of of things I was holding onto unnecessarily, out of guilt, out of duty, out of what seemed like necessity. While I was really good at working through some areas of my house, other areas were like walking through a tar pit.

I read the book in small chunks at night and would write myself notes of encouragement for the next day. If I was able to complete the task, great, if not I would take the opportunity to reflect why.

Did I clear my house of clutter? No. Did I make a dent? Absolutely! Most importantly, my relationship with the things I still need to process is changing and I will likely revisit the book again in the future.

I own the book both in paper form and in audiobook so I could read, highlight, listen, repeat. This will likely be a lifelong journey as I am prone to holding things close as security against future loss.

[Carey Norton · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot about the why of clutter, but not a whole lot about the process of ditching the junk. Interesting, though.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never felt like a self help reader - nothing ever had the right pull for me. But the title of this spoke to me, and I can surely say this is a book soooooo many people would either benefit from personally or know somebody who would.

Tracy has a unique life experience of running her own decluttering business. She is able to work with and meet many people who are in need of getting things in their home and life back on track. Through her words alone, I could sense the love and care she has not only for decluttering, but also sustainable living (economically, environmentally, and emotionally), and the world around her. Most self help books that I have interacted with, I felt, were full of hard truths (understandably - how can we grow without facing what is hindering us?) And while this book was full of hard truths - the delivery of them in this book was kind, compassionate and incredibly provocative & persuasive (big pathos girly here)

While reading, you dive into the many different reasons people attract or accumulate clutter, how to avoid over shopping, over spending (useless, wasteful spending & creating waste), harmful gifting (when one gifts as a way to fulfill a shopping need), and learn how to declutter and manifest these key things: True connection, Self-confidence, Free time, Big Love, Self-respect, Real Purpose, Lasting Wisdom

All in all, I really loved this book. I found so many things to gain from it and am already plotting ways to incorporate this into the lives of those close to me. so much self awareness to be reaped from reading this book!

My takeaway quotes, read as you please bc yes it's a lot:

"Where we get into trouble is when we find ourselves burdened by stuff, buying too much stuff, spending money we don't have on stuff, or thinking we have a right to stuff that is more than we truly need."

"The goal of this book is to help you see if you are using your stuff to fill holes in your heart, head, or soul."

“Because your brain is your most valuable space — Think about that. What do you want to store in your uncluttered brain? A new language? A new skill? A new initiative at work or at home? The possibilities are endless. The space is yours.”

"My Stuff Keeps Me in the Past runs Us when we hold on tightly to things like old trophies, gifts from exes, and sympathy cards from past acquaintances. This is unhelpful because it signals that our best days are behind us."

"a vast confidence gap that separates the sexes. Compared with men, women don't consider themselves as ready for promotions, they predict they'll do worse on tests, and they generally underestimate their abilities."

"I was always in pain, I was just running from it. But you can't outrun what's inside you even if you buy thirty-seven pairs of sneakers."

"One way people use shopping to create false connections is through excessive gift giving. I have learned over the years that, in this case, the person giving the gift needs to give it more than the recipient needs to get it. These receivers of the gifts don't end up feeling showered with affection. They feel used because they know that their parent, or aunt, or in-law has a shopping addiction and is just using that purchase to get their fix. ... No one walks away from the interaction feeling loved. And if the receivers don't speak up and point out the problem, they become enablers. By accepting the continuous gifts, they are sending a message to the buyer that reinforces the Clutter Magnet. "

"Gratitude for the life that you built and the love that you have. Gratitude for everything you are and are capable of. Because when you focus on all that you have, it moves your attention off what you want and gives you time and space to quiet the shopping impulse."

"filled with actual precious moments-the kind you live out and not the kind you dust"

"Instead of trying to feel love from an object, remember that you can have a satisfying, loving relationship with yourself. In fact, truly the most important person who needs to love you is you. And you are in control of that!"

"The purpose of life is to be happy... Many think that happiness is to be found outside us in material things, but actually it's something that comes from within, from warm heartedness and concern for others."

"What they want is to attract the pursuit that will make them feel like they're using their time well and investing in something rewarding. Instead, they attract stuff. The stuff then becomes a wonderful distraction from their missing sense of purpose."

[Kelley Murrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your typical home organizing book. There are no tips on color coding your pantry or clearing clutter from the basement. It is a psychological look into why people use consumption as a coping mechanism for discomfort or a way to obtain/express love for others. Ultimately, we all know this rarely works. Instead, we are left lonelier and unhappier than ever and surrounded by unneeded, unwanted stuff.

A compelling introductory point is the author’s observation of the increase in online shopping during the pandemic – a time when we all felt isolated, disrupted and alone. We now live in a time of easy access to cheaply produced goods and are less connected to others than ever. There is clearly work to be done.

She outlines 7 Clutter Magnets that contribute to the problem, including True Connection (using clutter to attain or avoid it); Big Love (filling that missing void); Strong Self Confidence (purchases made on the constant quest to improve your life); and Real Purpose (distracting yourself with clutter to avoid the fear of pursuing it). There are some great insights with real client examples showcasing how these clutter magnets manifest.

The real takeaways are how we all use stuff to chase intangible things: feelings that no item can fulfill, time we can’t get back and unrealistic expectations. But the solution is quite simple: love and respect yourself, connect with others, live an authentic life with purpose. No material thing will ever match that.

[Emily Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started listening to this book on a whim while at the office and wasn’t expecting anything groundbreaking - I was pleasantly surprised! I was expecting a Marie Kondo-style book about “throw away old papers” and asking yourself if things “spark joy” but this was phenomenal! The book is a lot deeper than you’d expect from the title or cover, with the author diving into the psychological reasons why we shop and hoard, rather than just telling us to throw things away. I was fascinated by a lot of the facts and definitely felt like I learned something new. My biggest takeaways were this:

- a lot of people shop out of a need for community, if you build strong friend groups and meaningful connections, your less likely to seek it out at TJ Max
- shopping is part of our human instinct to gather resources, when we feel inadequate about our ability to provide for ourselves, we will stockpile things that fill the gap
- overall a lot of shopping is just a reflection of our insecurities. Kinda obvious and definitely a “duh” point, but listening to this did make me stop and reflect. Are you buying that Coach bag because it’s something you need, or are you trying to gain validation through the image your projecting to the world that says “look at me, I’m important and successful and can afford this bag, you should respect me!” If that’s the case, it’s probably because you don’t already have that respect for yourself. Tea.


Overall a solid 4/5 stars! It’s a quick read/listen and I think everyone could learn something from this!

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make Space for Happiness: How to Stop Attracting Clutter and Start Magnetizing the Life You Want
by Tracy McCubbin
5h 02m read by Tracy McCubbin, 216 pages

Genre: Nonfiction, Self-Help > Personal Development, Home Design & Décor

Featuring: False Needs, Shopping, Loneliness, Social Shopping, Appendix

Rating as a movie: PG

Quotes: "Unwanted gifts aren't gifts, they're clutter!"

"You can't get time back by cramming your home with mementos."

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

My thoughts: 📱47% 2:22:21 - There are no chapters in this book and very few pauses. The information is awesome but it sounds like you're talking to a friend that just keeps changing the topic every time you try to get a word in.
📱53% 2:39:08 Ch. 5 Magnetize Big Love - So there are chapters in the book, but there is only one 302-minute track on the audiobook, now that's just lazy RBmedia.

I absolutely enjoyed this book, despite the poor formatting. It's pretty much like having a conversation with a friend. I will be reading again. I already ordered the ebook version and added Making Space, Clutter Free: The Last Book on Decluttering You’ll Ever Need to my TBR. This book is great for those who shop and/or collect to fill emotional voids.


Recommend to others?: Yes! This is one of the best declutter books I've read although she doesn't really talk about decluttering but the behavior behind clutter.

[La Crosse County Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friend introduced me to Tracy McCubbin on Instagram with her "Things to Declutter in Under 5 Minutes."

It was inspiring for me to think that if I spend five minutes getting rid of clutter that it is better than doing nothing. That is true. I have decluttered pens and markers that don’t work anymore, food containers without lids (or lids without the bottoms), old Christmas cards, gloves without matches or with holes etc. So, when I saw that she had a book about decluttering, I was ready for it!

Make Space for Happiness doesn’t really talk so much about decluttering, but the behaviors that we have that cause us to obtain clutter. As she looks at the "why" of clutter, she does so in a way that is relatable. She tells real life stories of her clients and how she helped them through their journey. She let us know as an expert that she understands us. She gets why we have all of this “stuff”, but she wants to help us have a more meaningful and less stressful life.

As I have been decluttering, I still have an emotional attachment (she talks about this!) to some things that I am not quite ready to let go of yet. Hopefully by the time I finish decluttering all the other stuff, it will get easier.

Now I am going to read her previous book Making Space, Clutter Free: The Last Book on Decluttering You’ll Ever Need, and see if she has more words of wisdom for me.

Find this book and other titles within our catalog.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I wanted, but what I needed.

I got this book thinking it was going to tell me strategies for physically decluttering. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this dove into the psychology of why we hold onto clutter. While I wouldn't label myself as a shopaholic, I had a huge tendancy from 18-24 to buy things I didn't need or stock up on favorite products incase they were ever discontinued. I amassed a decent amount of clutter and I've been looking for ways to par down.

Tracy McCubbin does a fantastic job going through the different facets that contribute to clutter and the areas of our life that we are trying to fulfill by buying more things. Even though there is no step by step guide on how to physically declutter, she gives tangible advice with real life examples to illustrate how clutter blocks show up in our life and how to work through them.

Even if you're not a shopaholic or hoarder, I think this book is a good eye opener into the subconscious acquisition cycles in our live and the role that modern day capitalism and consumerism plays in today's society.

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

McCubbin has done it again--in her newest book, she discusses the need to declutter, organize, and find systems that do the work for you instead of vice versa. After her previous book, she realized that some of her clients and readers had trouble maintaining the work they'd done--or had trouble even doing the work at all! To remedy this, she delves deeper into the why of clutter. Why are people so emotionally attached to things? Do we buy things to feel "in the moment" so we can remember the moment? Is there a way to prevent such an emotional attachment to items?

More so, are there items we do care a lot about and could take better care of? How do we prioritize our items by prioritizing our time? These are the questions McCubbin asks of us, and as we move into the new year, I myself couldn't help but think of (good-bye, water flosser!).

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely book. I enjoyed how the chapters were organized - each by an area of life that clutter affected.

It didn't talk about how to declutter as much as it talked about addressing the "whys" behind why we bring so much stuff into our lives in the first place. I appreciated this, because it gets to the source.

It made me realize it's not all about buying. Sure, retail therapy may be a go-to for many, but it also includes things we've inherited or created from long ago, that we're struggling to part with, whether it be from guilt, nostalgia, or any number of reasons.

I like how the author gave a strong mix of examples from her clients and her own life - it made it feel more personable.

My favourite chapter was the one on magnetizing lasting wisdom. It gave me a lot to reflect on.

[Tuesdayschild · Rating 3 out of 5]

Currently free on audible plus catalog.
3.5 stars


There were some really interesting excerpts around the why of clutter, impulsive spending, and (hoarding styled) collecting.
I also found the audiobook makes for a motivating spring cleaning listening; and, Tracy has affirmed my ‘want to’ in downsizing my considerable collection of books: i’ve been keen to focus on unhauling titles when/as I unpack boxes to go on shelves in our being-built home.
On the book aspect, I could totally relate to the authors own journey with Anna Karenina😋
I like the balance Tracy included concerning necessary, wise and planned, for purchasing - she’s not trying to shame people into living in a dwelling that screams legalistic minimalist.
Some of the psychology came across as a bit pop culture-ish, but, mostly, worked in the context the author had placed them in.

Extra: some swear words, no F-bombs.

[Barb Conway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't judge a book by it's cover. This is not a how to declutter book, but rather a more interesting and deeper look at how consumerism, marketing, psychology and sociology drives us to have more 'stuff' than we need/want/use/love. The book is well researched and provides interesting data, as well as personal, anecdotal stories. It is written in Tracy's engaging, direct and sometimes humorous style, which I enjoyed. Easy to read quickly, but filled with deeper food for thought. I am in the midst of clearing out my basement and storage areas, and this book provided the motivation I needed to keep on going.

[Crissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I may have had higher hopes for this book than were realistic. Yes, in theory, good information and advice. The real success stories were inspiring. But it was often geared towards moms (or women who were eventually planning on starting a family. Not always, but a lot). I found it a bit hard to relate to at times, which made it feel like I may not be able to apply some of the insight and suggestions. There were a few good takeaways though that will definitely make me more mindful of my purchases, and inspired me to start going through my clutter and downsizing in hopes to .... "Make Space for Happiness" (see what I did there? Lol)

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books on decluttering but this one took a different tactic, exploring the psychology of people who can't throw things away or can't stop buying things. It's more complicated than a hoarding diagnosis--typically it's unresolved emotional trauma from childhood.

McCubbin has been helping people organize their lives for years so she has a lot of real-world examples to draw from in her different chapters. I found it very easy to relate to many of her client's problems and their eventual recovery.

Highly recommended.

[Andrea Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I gained much inspiration and was able to immediately apply the lessons learned with this book. Her writing style was easy to digest, and her anecdotes were relatable and brought home the point with colorful examples of everyday people. I mostly enjoyed the call to recognize the inner work that must be done to improve ourselves, mentally and emotionally, in order to make progress in our home. The seven magnets are elements believe everyone could work on to enrich their lives further. I plan to read the other book she has written soon.